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Date:

March 28, 1819

Extent:

3p

Summary:

This is a letter from Robert C. Foster, Jr. to his father Robert C. Foster, Sr. dated March 28, 1819. The younger Foster talks extensively about how people are more interested in material things than their family and friends. He is upset that his father has not written to him.

Since my letter from Murfreeborough [Murfreesboro] I have impatiently waited for an exercise of that aspect demonstrated in answering the letter of a friend much less of a Son; to which in equity and good conscience I think myself intitled [entitled]to but as unwillingness on your part is thus manifested to return a favor soliscited [solicited] in sincerity, my pen again obtrudes its [unclear]illegible face upon your patients [patience]. Unfortunately for the human mind, it is that by the increase of business and a desere [desire] to accumulate the consuming articles of wealth and plenty, the more noble and philanthropic virtues of friendship, affection, and even the remembrances of our most intimate acquaintances are intirely [entirely] eradicated from the bosom and that which once [added: was] the center of all those [unclear: wise ] and endearing feelings which consecrate the existence of generous friendship as the pure [unclear: scource ] of the greatest enjoyment is desecouncrated [desecrated] by the love of [unclear: lure ] and gain to such an extent as to be the recepticle [receptacle] of those feelings and principles that disharmonise [disharmonize] the social intercourse of life. I would not that you should concieve [conceive] of this remark as applied or entended [intended] for you tho [though] I must confess I am constrained to believe from some cause there is at least a neglect of [unclear] the continuance of that respect to me in not writing. For two weeks I was confined in the bar of the Seat of Government when I was released for home [unclear: to where ] I parted with hoisted colors and gladsome heart, after having done a good business, and where I shall remain untill [until] I start for the meredian [meridian] of Nashville the ensuing Week. Inform Mother that from the resemblance I bare to her in feature on my Circuit, to one of her acquaintances I was known from whom I received a good fee; so much for being like my Mama, the best of Mothers to whom give my love with the rest of the family